By Carlos Ackerman, MAM2025
When I submitted my Round 4 application to London Business School, my hopes and worries were focused solely on admission. At that point, getting into LBS itself seemed like an ambitious enough goal. Frankly, the thought of receiving a scholarship hadn’t even crossed my mind. So when I received that unexpected email weeks after my admission notification, announcing I had been awarded the Merit Scholarship, the initial rush of excitement was overwhelming. Little did I know even then how this scholarship would end up shaping my LBS experience.
The immediate impact was very personal. Receiving the Merit Scholarship felt like more than just financial support. After months of second-guessing myself through the demanding application processes, this vote of confidence was exactly what I needed. The scholarship felt like a pat on the back, telling me I had made the right choice coming to London.
Now let’s talk about the obvious – the financial relief made a big difference. The scholarship has removed a great deal of the constant background stress of financial pressure, allowing me to focus more on making the most of my time at LBS. This isn’t just about having more time – it’s about having the mental space to truly engage with the community and the programme. The contrast with my previous academic experience back in Belgium, where education costs are significantly lower, has made me especially appreciative of this opportunity.
Perhaps the most unexpected impact has been how the scholarship has shaped my contribution to the community. The recruitment office encouraged us scholars to apply for the LBS Student Ambassador position. It turned out to be one of the best parts of my time here. Being a student ambassador has allowed me to pay forward the support I received. I regularly connect with prospective students, sharing my experience in London and insights about the application process. I try to pull back the curtain and show them what it’s really like here. Business school applications can feel overwhelming – I get that. So I focus on giving an honest account of daily life and making the whole process feel less daunting.
During my own application process, I made a crucial mistake – not reaching out enough to current students and alumni. Now, each conversation with a prospective student reminds me of my own journey and the uncertainty I felt during the application process. I often tell them that by seeking advice, they’re already making a smarter choice than I did when I stumbled my way through the application process solo. It feels good to help other applicants who remind me of myself – especially those who might not think they have a shot at scholarships or feel stressed about applying.
Looking back, I can see how the Merit Scholarship created a simple but powerful pattern. The financial support let me focus on school. This led me to become a student ambassador, where I could in turn help others. In the end, the scholarship did much more than help with tuition – it helped me become an active member of the school.
If you’re considering LBS, don’t count yourself out of scholarship opportunities. And if you do receive one, think of it as more than just financial help. It’s a chance to dive deeper into the student life and contribute meaningfully to the community. That’s what made all the difference for me.